Rivers State is currently experiencing a political crisis marked by internal divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an intensified impeachment push against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. These parallel conflicts highlight legal and political tensions shaping governance in the state.

The Rivers APC has called for the immediate resignation of the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accusing him of undermining court rulings and promoting a “dangerous partisan narrative” regarding the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. Morka, in a televised interview on TVC’s Beyond Headlines, stated that the party would declare its official position on the impeachment at the appropriate time and questioned the legitimacy of state spokesperson Darlington Nwauju.

The state chapter countered, citing court judgments in Suit No. PHC/3592/CS/2023 and Suit No. 3859/CS/2024, which nullified the alleged dissolution of elected executives and subsequent replacement congresses. Rivers APC maintained that Nwauju is the legally recognized spokesperson and warned that Morka’s comments threatened the credibility of the party and its leadership. The party urged the Nigerian Bar Association and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Council to investigate Morka’s remarks, which they allege were designed to undermine both the courts and the legal profession.

The impeachment initiative reportedly stems from Fubara’s refusal to submit a supplementary budget. Former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is alleged to have promised pro-Wike lawmakers ₦10 billion each in constituency projects, contingent on the budget’s approval. Investigations by SaharaReporters indicate that at least 26 lawmakers received ₦350 million each in September 2025 during emergency rule, totaling roughly ₦10.5 billion. On-site reports suggest that few, if any, of the projects were executed, with many of the implementing companies appearing inactive or nonexistent. A formal memo from Engr. Atemea K. Briggs requested approval for these funds to “bring governance closer to their constituents.”

Rivers State was placed under emergency rule in March 2025 amid violent political clashes between Fubara and Wike, which was lifted by President Bola Tinubu on September 17, 2025. Impeachment proceedings against Fubara and Odu formally began on January 8, 2026. During the session, allegations of gross misconduct were presented by Majority Leader Major Jack, with 26 lawmakers signing the impeachment notice. Although four lawmakers briefly withdrew support to advocate for dialogue, the tensions underscore persistent political divisions affecting state governance.

Observers note that these events illustrate a complex interplay between party politics, legislative action, and legal oversight, creating an environment of uncertainty for both state leadership and constituents.